Methods and Systems for Detecting a Closure and/or Opening of a Navigable Element

Abstract

A method of detecting the closure and / or opening of a navigable element forming part of a network of navigable elements within a geographic area. A passability parameter is associated with each segment of an electronic map representing the navigable network and indicates a likelihood of closure of the element represented by the segment. The value of the passability parameter decays over time. When a device is detected on the element represented by the segment, the passability parameter is increased, and when a closure report is received relating to the segment, the parameter is decreased. In one set of embodiments, when the passability parameter decreases below a first threshold value, the element represented by the segment is determined to be potentially closed. In another set of embodiments, when the passability parameter increases above a second threshold value, the closed element represented by the segment is determined to be opened.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to methods and systems for detecting the closure and / or opening of a navigable element, e.g. road element, in a navigable network of navigable elements, e.g. a road network.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Obtaining information about closures of navigable elements, e.g. roads of a road network, is important in a navigation system. The presence of a road closure has a significant impact upon routing through the road network. A road closure may be likened to a traffic jam associated with an “infinite delay”, such that an alternative routing must be determined to avoid the affected road element(s). Knowledge of the existence of a road closure is of importance to road users even if they are not following a pre-calculated route. For example, if a user is following a familiar route, it is still useful for them to be aware if a road closure is present affecting the route so that they may determine an alternative route, with or witho...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for modifying the behavior of a navigable element on a webpage based on the likelihood of it being closed or reopened. The method involves assigning a passability parameter to each segment of the navigable element, which is used to determine the likelihood of the element being closed. The method uses thresholds to identify when an element has been reopened after a previous closure. By adjusting these thresholds, the method can detect closing of an element more quickly and accurately, reducing the impact of incorrect determinations. Overall, this method improves the user experience and provides a better indication of what parts of the webpage are being actively used.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are some drawbacks in relying upon third party data relating to road closures, since such data is not always accurate, and may not be up to date.

Images